Old Wisedas restaurant in Clearlake burns down

CLEARLAKE -- A fire at the old Wisedas Resort in Clearlake burned between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet of the restaurant building leaving the building a total loss.

Fire crews were dispatched to 14375 Lakeshore Drive just after 1 p.m. on Sunday, according to Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta, who served as incident command.

Just a week-and-a-half ago, a pre-plan for the same property was created based on threat assessment by fire officials. "We implemented all of those plans today," Sapeta said Sunday night.

Firefighters first attempted to enter the building, but were driven out by the flames and immediately worked the fire defensively, according to Sapeta.

The fire in the two-story building was contained by 5:30 p.m. and Sapeta estimated overhaul to take an additional six to 12 hours. About 50 emergency personnel were on scene. No injuries were reported. Eight engines, a ladder truck, rescue, support and three overhead units were on scene. Lake County Fire Protection District received mutual aid from Northshore Fire Protection District and South Lake County Fire Protection District. Additionally, Clearlake Police Department assisted, blocking off access to the scene and handling traffic control. The fire was contained to the main building and no other structures were impacted by the blaze. Lakeshore Drive will remain closed until about 9 p.m. Sunday. The fire is under investigation. The cause is not yet known. Sapeta said investigators will be on scene for several days. Information about the incident will be updated as it becomes available.